KARACHI: New Zealand bowlers found early breakthroughs after Kane Williamson smashed a sensational double century as Pakistan struggled on Day 4 of the opening Test, here at National Bank Cricket Arena on Thursday.
Shan Masood and opener Abdullah Shafique were dismissed in the evening session after New Zealand declared their first innings on 612/9 at Tea with a vital lead of 174 runs.
At 77 for the loss of two wickets, Opener Imam-ul-Haq and nightwatchman Nouman Ali will commence the play on the final day with Pakistan requiring 97 more runs to overcome the first-innings deficit.
Following a cautious start of 47 runs, Pakistan faced their first blow in the 20th over of their second turn when Abdullah was removed by Michael Bracewell after scoring 17 from 68 balls. He flicked the ball in the air but was taken at mid-on by substitute field Glenn Phillips.
Shan, however, fell prey to leg-spinner Ish Sodhi after a brief stay of 26-ball 10.
Imam, who looked in sublime touch, holds the key for Pakistan as he remained unbeaten on 45 before the day was called.
While New Zealand managed to take a healthy lead thanks to the blistering knocks by veteran Williamson and tail batter Sodhi, who also played a scintillating knock of 180-ball 65, Pakistan failed to bowl out opponents despite bowling around 195 overs and taking the field for six sessions.
Starting the day on 440/6, New Zealand added 174 runs to the total and lost three wickets before skipper Tim Southee decided to declare the innings when Williamson completed his double ton with tailender Ajaz Patel on the other end.
Williamson, who brought up a century yesterday, continued to frustrate Pakistan bowlers with his solid defence as he remained not out on 200 from 395 balls.
After a wicketless first session, dominated by Williamson and Sodhi, Pakistan found breakthroughs in the afternoon when spinners, Abrar Ahmed and Nauman Ali struck back-to-back wickets.
Abrar broke the stellar seventh-wicket partnership of 159 runs when a leading edge off Sodhi’s bat went high in the air and was grabbed by skipper Babar Azam at mid-off.
Nauman then removed the New Zealand captain Southee on a duck before Abrar completed his five-wicket haul with Nell Wagner’s dismissal on nought.
Pakistan made 438 in their first innings, thanks to a blistering 161-run knock by skipper Babar Azam and a brilliant century by Salman Ali Agha.
In an equal response, New Zealand openers, Tom Latham and Devon Conway raised a solid opening stand of 182 runs before the former Kiwi captain led their batting charge.
Latham gathered 113 from 191 balls while Conway missed his century by eight runs as he managed 92 off 176 balls.
